In recent weeks, The Royal Gazette in Bermuda published a sobering article titled “The Urgency of Solving Housing Crisis”, highlighting the severe housing shortage that has gripped the island. With skyrocketing rents, limited land availability, and growing social strain, Bermuda’s housing crisis is no longer a looming threat—it is a present-day emergency.

For those of us in Antigua and Barbuda, this should not be just another headline from abroad. It should be a wake-up call.

The Situation: A Region of Shared Realities

Antigua and Barbuda and Bermuda share more than just beautiful coastlines and vibrant cultures. We are both small island states with limited land mass, relatively high standards of living, and a growing demand for housing. In Antigua and Barbuda, the current administration has made commendable strides in addressing housing affordability. Initiatives such as the Construct Antigua and Barbuda Initiative (CABI), land sales through CHAPA at below-market rates, and other housing incentives have opened doors for many families. Yet, despite this progress, we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to prevent a future housing crisis?

The Complication: A Crisis That Could Be Ours

While we are not yet in the same position as Bermuda, the warning signs are there. Our population is growing. Land is finite. Construction costs are rising. And for many young people, the dream of homeownership still feels out of reach. If we do not act with foresight, we risk walking the same path—one where housing becomes a privilege for the few, not a right for the many.

Let’s be clear: housing is not just an economic asset- Its a social foundation. It brings dignity, stability, and security. It is a safeguard against homelessness, a buffer against poverty, and a contributor to mental and physical well-being. When people are forced to live in overcrowded or unstable conditions, the stress can be overwhelming. It affects everything—from children’s ability to study, to adults’ ability to work and thrive.

The Question: What Must We Do Differently?

So, how do we ensure that Antigua and Barbuda does not face the same housing crisis that Bermuda is now grappling with? How do we protect the progress we’ve made while preparing for the challenges ahead? The answer lies in proactive policy, inclusive planning, and a cultural shift—especially among our youth.

The Answer: A Call to Action for Citizens and Policymakers

1. Recognize Housing as a Right, not a Handout

There is a lingering misconception that social or affordable housing is a form of welfare. This could not be further from the truth. Social housing is a prudent investment in national development. It ensures that teachers, nurses, police officers, and young professionals can live in the communities they serve. It reduces inequality and strengthens the social fabric.

2. Strengthen Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks

We must ensure that our zoning laws, building codes, and land use policies are aligned with long-term housing goals. This includes: Encouraging mixed-income developments. Protecting land for affordable housing. Preventing speculative land hoarding that drives up prices.

3. Expand Access to Financing and Land

While programs like CABI have made a difference, we must go further. This means: Creating low-interest mortgage options for first-time buyers. Offering financial literacy programs to help young people plan for homeownership. Continuing to make land available at affordable rates, especially for those under 35.

4. Inspire a Cultural Shift Among Young People

As someone who grew up in an overcrowded home, I know firsthand the challenges that come with limited space and privacy. But I also know that this experience can be a source of motivation, not a barrier. It taught me the value of planning, saving, and striving for better.

To the young people of Antigua and Barbuda: owning a home is one of the most important investments you can make. It may not happen overnight, but with vision and discipline, it is within reach. Start small. Think long-term. Talk to your parents, mentors, and financial advisors. Make homeownership part of your life plan—not just for yourself, but for the next generation.

5. Learn from Others, Act for Ourselves

Bermuda’s crisis did not happen overnight. It was the result of years of underinvestment, policy gaps, and market pressures. We have the benefit of foresight. Let’s use it. Let’s study what went wrong there and ensure we don’t repeat those mistakes here.

6. Rethink Inheritance: Invest in the Living.

For parents who have the means and are planning to leave an inheritance for their children, consider this: the best time to give support is when it can make the greatest impact—not at the end of life, but at the beginning of adulthood. Helping your children secure a home while they are young gives them stability, confidence, and a foundation to build their future. An inheritance handed over at retirement or death may be too late to shape the life you hoped to support. Empower them now, while it matters most.

Bermuda: A Paradox of Wealth and Housing Scarcity

Bermuda, often ranked among the wealthiest countries in the world, is now facing a housing crisis that defies simple logic. Despite a declining population—now estimated between 54,000 and 56,000—and over 180 acres of developable land, housing costs continue to soar. Why? A combination of shrinking household sizes, a shift to short-term rentals, and policy inertia has created a perfect storm. This paradox—wealth without housing security—should serve as a stark warning for Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean countries .

A Shared Responsibility

This is not a task for the government alone. It requires collaboration between public and private sectors, community organizations, and citizens. Developers must be encouraged to build affordably. Employers can support housing initiatives for their staff. Civil society can advocate for inclusive policies. And each of us, as individuals, can make informed choices that contribute to a more stable housing future.

Conclusion: Building a Legacy of Stability

Housing is more than bricks and mortar. It is about belonging, security, and hope. It is about ensuring that every child has a quiet place to study, every parent has a safe place to rest, and every citizen has a stake in the nation’s future.

We are not yet in crisis—but we are at a crossroads. Let us choose the path of preparation over reaction, of investment over neglect, of vision over complacency.

Let us learn from Bermuda—not with judgment, but with wisdom. And let us build a housing future in Antigua and Barbuda that is inclusive, sustainable, and worthy of the generations to come.

Let us not wait for a crisis to act. Let us build, plan, and invest—today—for a stronger, more secure tomorrow. Yes, we can.